Abstract: A method of preparing a steam reforming catalyst characterized by improved resistance to attrition loss when used for cracking, reforming, water gas shift and gasification reactions on feedstock in a fluidized bed reactor, comprising: fabricating the ceramic support particle, coating a ceramic support by adding an aqueous solution of a precursor salt of a metal selected from the group consisting of Ni, Pt, Pd, Ru, Rh, Cr, Co, Mn, Mg, K, La and Fe and mixtures thereof to the ceramic support and calcining the coated ceramic in air to convert the metal salts to metal oxides.

Abstract: A method of preparing a steam reforming catalyst characterized by improved resistance to attrition loss when used for cracking, reforming, water gas shift and gasification reactions on feedstock in a fluidized bed reactor, comprising: fabricating the ceramic support particle, coating a ceramic support by adding an aqueous solution of a precursor salt of a metal selected from the group consisting of Ni, Pt, Pd, Ru, Rh, Cr, Co, Mn, Mg, K, La and Fe and mixtures thereof to the ceramic support and calcining the coated ceramic in air to convert the metal salts to metal oxides.

Abstract: A process for sealing a ceramic filter by infiltrating a metal into an end of the filter is disclosed. The process includes the steps of contacting the end of a porous ceramic filter with a molten metal, whereby the metal enters into the ceramic matrix to substantially fill the void space. The ceramic filter is cooled to form a filter having a ceramic-metal composite portion. The present invention also provides a filter having an infiltrated metal seal. Methods for joining infiltrated ends are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing filled vias which are made of two components, a first component which forms a bonding layer between the wall of the via and a second component which forms the core of the via. Preferably, the two components solidify from a melt which includes two immiscible liquids. The first liquid is capable of wetting the wall of the via and the second liquid. The resulting product is also disclosed. Preferably the first component comprises a copper oxide and the second component comprises a conductive metal such as silver or copper.

Abstract: The present invention relates to electronic components and in particular relates to ceramic-based electronic components wherein a portion of the component comprises a metal-infiltrated ceramic. In a preferred embodiment, the metal-infiltrated ceramic comprises copper metal.

Abstract: A metal-infiltrated ceramic for use in tribological applications, such as in mechanical face seals, beatings and other sliding or rubbing components, which provides excellent durability and wear characteristics. The metal-infiltrated ceramic is useful in both the “harder” and “softer” one of two relatively sliding members which is in, or may come into, contact with each other during the motion of one of the members relative to the other. The material is a porous ceramic which has been infiltrated with a metal.

Abstract: A process for sealing a ceramic filter by infiltrating a metal into an end of the filter. The process includes the steps of contacting the end of a porous ceramic filter with a molten metal, whereby the metal enters into the ceramic matrix to substantially fill the void space. The ceramic filter is cooled to form a filter having a ceramic-metal composite portion. The present invention also provides a filter having an infiltrated metal seal. Methods for joining infiltrated ends are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing filled vias which are made of two components, a first component which forms a bonding layer between the wall of the via and a second component which forms the core of the via. Preferably, the two components solidify from a melt which includes two immiscible liquids. The first liquid is capable of wetting the wall of the via and the second liquid. The resulting product is also disclosed. Preferably the first component comprises a copper oxide and the second component comprises a conductive metal such as silver or copper.

Abstract: A process for sealing a ceramic filter by infiltrating a metal into an end of the filter. The process includes the steps of contacting the end of a porous ceramic filter with a molten metal, whereby the metal enters into the ceramic matrix to substantially fill the void space. The ceramic filter is cooled to form a filter having a ceramic-metal composite portion. The present invention also provides a filter having an infiltrated metal seal. Methods for joining infiltrated ends are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to electronic components and in particular relates to ceramic-based electronic components wherein a portion of the component comprises a metal-infiltrated ceramic. In a preferred embodiment, the metal-infiltrated ceramic comprises copper metal.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for fabricating ceramic-metal composites having continuous ceramic and metal phases. The process includes the steps of contacting a porous ceramic matrix material with a molten metal whereby capillary action pulls the metal into the ceramic matrix to substantially fill the void space. The present invention also provides a ceramic-metal composite having continuous metal and ceramic phases.

Abstract: A process for sealing a ceramic filter by infiltrating a metal into an end of the filter. The process includes the steps of contacting the end of a porous ceramic filter with a molten metal, whereby the metal enters into the ceramic matrix to substantially fill the void space. The ceramic filter is cooled to form a filter having a ceramic-metal composite portion. The present invention also provides a filter having an infiltrated metal seal.

Abstract: A process for fabricating ceramic-metal composites having continuous ceramic and metallic phases. The process includes the steps of contacting a porous ceramic matrix material having the general shape of an article of manufacture with molten metal whereby capillary action pulls the metal into the open porosity of the ceramic matrix to substantially fill the open void space. The present invention also provides a ceramic-metal composite having continuous metal and ceramic phases.

Abstract: A method for fabricating ceramic-metal composites having continuous ceramic and metallic phases. In one embodiment, the metal phase includes copper metal. The method can include the steps of contacting a porous ceramic matrix material with molten metal whereby capillary action pulls the metal into the ceramic matrix to substantially fill the open void space. The present invention also provides a ceramic-metal composite having continuous metal and ceramic phases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to electronic components and in particular relates to ceramic-based electronic components wherein a portion of the component comprises a metal-infiltrated ceramic. In a preferred embodiment, the metal-infiltrated ceramic comprises copper metal.

Abstract: A process for fabricating ceramic-metal composites having ceramic and metal phases wherein the ceramic to metal ratio changes within the ceramic. The process includes the steps of contacting a porous ceramic matrix material with a molten metal whereby capillary action pulls the metal into the ceramic matrix to substantially fill the void space. The ceramic matrix has a porosity gradient wherein the infiltrated composite has a varying ratio of ceramic to metal.

Abstract: Ceramic-metal composites are used in the fabrication of components for engines, particularly internal combustion engines. The composites are formed by infiltrating a molten metal into a porous ceramic matrix and cooling the metal to form a composite. Numerous engine components can be fabricated using this technique including valves, valve seats, exhaust port liners, pistons and rocker arms.